Achilles International is a worldwide organization that encourages people with disabilities to participate in running with the general public. Individuals who had difficulty negotiating the distance between street lights wind up competing in marathons. Achilles provides training, encouragement, technical expertise, logistical support, and race entry fees. Achilles athletes have all kinds of disabilities including paralysis, visual impairment, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries. Achilles has a youth program, Achilles Kids, which, in association with the NYC Department of Education, provides a running based curriculum for 4,000 children with disabilities at 150 public and private schools. The children run, walk, or roll in adaptive physical education classes throughout the year with the goal of completing a “virtual marathon” – 26.2 miles. Those who finish all 26.2 miles receive a free pair of sneakers. Achilles Kids is primarily composed of minority children from inner city neighborhoods and features weekend workouts throughout the year. The Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans has more than 400 members, including patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Balboa Naval Medical Center. The veterans, many of whom were injured during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, train, set goals, and participate in races. The team competes in prestigious mainstream marathons throughout the country as a way to promote mental and physical healing. Achilles’ NYC Chapter features twice weekly workouts and races throughout the year. Our triathlon team introduces athletes with disabilities to multi-sport competitions. All Achilles programs share a common belief that athletic achievement has a positive effect on all areas of a person’s life.
 

2011 Achilles Gala

Achilles 21st Annual Tribute Dinner

Join Achilles International to celebrate another triumphant year and to prepare for the NYC Marathon.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Union League Club
38 East 37th Street

Honoring
Michael Kacer, Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans
Joao Silva, New York Times

Cocktails begin at 6:30 PM
Dinner begins at 7:30 PM

To purchase a table of ten:

* $50,000 will provide 2500 pairs of sneakers to children with disabilities who complete all 26.2 miles of the Achilles Kids Virtual Marathon
* $25,000 will sponsor a rehabilitation trip to the Boston Marathon for members of the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans
* $10,000 will pay for 400 Achilles athletes to participate in local races as part of the New York City Chapter
o $1,000 ticket will cover one international athlete with disabilities competing in the ING NYC Marathon.
o I will not be able to attend, but wish to make a tax deductible donation!